Be Prepared!

We all know the scouts motto "Be Prepared" -- I was a Girl Scout from 1st grade through the 9th and then was a leader for 12 years later in my life.  We learned about how to be prepared, to anticipate problems.  We developed skills in first-aid and what we should have in our first aid kit in case of an emergency.  We learned camping skills - how to build a fire and how to cook on that fire -- my favorite was baking a cake with a dutch oven - we put coals on the cover - it was fascinating.  We also learned life skills such as leadership, team building, and problem solving.  In today's world we are advised to be prepared in case of a natural disaster - have water for each person in the household, canned food, flashlights, and extra batteries.

In yesterday's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13) we heard of the five wise bridesmaids who were prepared for the arrival of the groom by having extra oil available for their lamps in case he was delayed.  The bridesmaids anticipated that they had no control of when the groom would arrive and planned accordingly.  Their lamps were important to guide the groom in since he was traveling at night - back then they did not have street lights or lights on the camels, it was very dark.  And as we turn our outside lights on to welcome guests or direct family home, the maids' lamps shined in the darkness as a welcome to the groom.

So all this being said, I wondered how I could be prepared for the Lord's coming -- what should I anticipate and what extra oil should I have (for if you know me, I'm always making lists and thinking through scenarios - I want to be prepared.)

Just what is my oil made from?  The oil for our lamps is filled with the love we show to our brothers and sisters.  It is the prayers we offer for them, the service we provide to them, the comfort we give them.  Jesus commanded us to love God above all others and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  We are charged with showing love to everyone around us - those who are easy to love and those who test our resolve.  This love fills our lamps - so that no matter how long it is before Jesus' arrival - your lamp will be filled to the brim - directing him to you.  And since we do not know the date or time - we should not plan to wait to fill our lamps at the last minute - we must stay awake and watch for his coming.